Toy structural element and joint made therefrom



J. E. GRANT Dec. 1, 1942.

TOY STRUCTURAL ELEMENT AND JOINT MADE THEREFROM Filed March 14, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Joseph. EGra'nf.

Y B N n 3 5 mm 3 w ON 8 Q 6 09 .5 v 7 00- m9 Dec. 1, 1942.v J. E. GRANT I 2,303,631

- TOY STRUCTURAL ELEMENT AND JOINT MADE THEREFRbI Filed March 14, 1941. 4 Sheets- Sheet 2 I26 30 I 5W 0 I27, as a1, 64 P 8 I22 -2B 22 22 3 24 B9 8 4 Dec. 1, 1942. J. E. GRANT 2,303,631

TOY STRUCTURAL ELEMENT AND JOINT MADE THEREFROM Filed March 14, 1941 4 She ets-Sheet a I-NVENTbR.

Joseph EG dn r.

J. E. GRANT Dec. 1, 1942.

TOY STRUCTURAL ELEMENT AND JOINT MADE THEREFROM I Filed March 14, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F 1' .EE

gl tz,

INVENTOR. Joseph E Grani.

Patented Dec. 1, 1942 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE TOY STRUCTURAL ELEMENT AND JOINT MADE THEREFROM 16 Claims.

This invention relates to toy structural elements and to joints made therefrom.

The general object of the invention is to provide an improved toy or other structural member which may be made of fibrous or other material such as light weight cardboard and which can be readily completed and easily erected.

' A more specific object of the invention is to provide a toy structural building element.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a structural element including a base with sides thereon and with a rib projecting therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structural member including a built-up girder made of novel shape.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel joint for structural elements.

An additional object of my invention is to provide a novel wheel.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a bridge embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the element embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 1B is an end view of the element.

Fig. 1C is a fragmentary perspective view of a girder.

Fig.2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig. 2A is a fragmentary section taken on line ZA-ZA of Fig. 2. r

Fig. 2B is a fragmentary section taken on line BB-2B of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 44 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a section taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal fragmentary section taken on line 'l-'! of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 88 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a section taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a section taken on line Ill-l0 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line lll| of Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section taken on line I2-i2 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 13-13 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary section taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 13. g

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary section taken on line l5--l5 of Fig. 14. I

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line lB-IG of Fig. 2. a

Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation partly in section of the lower arcuate portion of the bridge shown in Fig. 1 v

Fig. 18 is a section taken on line 18-18 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line l9l9 of Fig. 3'.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of portions of the elements shown in Fig. 19 in the process of making up the element.

Fig. 21 is a side elevation showing a modified girder.

Fig. 22 is an end view of the modified girder.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged section taken on line 23-23, Fig. 2. I

Fig. 24. is a section taken on line M -24 of Fig. 23.

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary side elevation of a length of structural element having an integral loop formed therein.

Fig. 26 is a fragmentary side elevation-showing a right angled joint for two elements wherein the rib portion is to the outside of..the angle.

Fig. 27 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the device shown in Fig. 26.

Figs. 28, 29 and 30 show a means of joining aligned horizontal and vertical structural elements.

Fig. 31 is a section taken on line 31-31 of Fig. 30.

Fig. 32 is a plan view of a gummed binder strip.

Fig. 33 shows a joint means for offset horizontal and vertical structural elements.

Fig. 34 is a side elevation of a wheel formed of lengths of my structural element, and

Fig. 35 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 3535 of Fig. 34.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, I have shown my invention as embodied in a structural element which isindicated generally at H].

As shown, the structural element is made from a strip of material and includes a base ll, having a side portion I2 bent to overlap a portion of the base. From the side portion, a flap l3 extends upwardly and a second flap l4 integral with the first flap extends downwardly and is integral with a side l5 which overlaps the base. The sides I2 and I5 are glued to the base and a the rib is less than one third of the width of the base and that the height of the rib is greater than one half the width of the base, also the height of the rib is more than twice the width across the bottom of the rib. I

In the use of my invention Imay employthe elements It] in various ways, as for instance in Fig. 1, I have shown a plurality of the elements as built into a bridge indicated at B.

The bridge shown consists of two sides IT and 18 which are identical in construction. -Th ends oi.each side indicated at l9 and 20 are complemental from'the center line ofthe bridge 2| (Fig. '1) outwardly towards each endand therefore'to shorten the specification the construction of only one-half of one side will-be given in detail. The end--19 includes an-element 22 like that 'shown in Fig; IA. Theelement-22 includes a portion 23.0f which the base 23* (see Figs. 1 and 16) is directed horizontallyand the rib 24 in this portion is directed downwardly. has the peak of the rib'cut away as at 25 (Fig. 16) and the base'23' is bent'as at 26 to form a vertical portion-21 and the rib 24 is again cut away as -at-28 "and the base of-the element is again bent to form a horizontal portion 29 which may engage-any suitable support or abutment.

-Theglue on the inner face of the ribs is moistened and-engages the overlapping portion of the ribs'to cause'the parts to adhere together thus securing the parts in the position shown'in Figs. 1 and 16'; The upper end of the element 22 is connected by a joint 30 as shownin Figs. 5

andfi to a; second element3l. This joint is effected by'cuttingthe'base 3V of the element 30 away from the adjacent portion of the rib thus forming a slot 32 (Fig. 5) The element 22 is then telescoped'into the spread apart ends of the ele- 'ment3l andthe'adjacent portions of the ribs and bases areglued'together. e I

The portion-28' of the element 22is connected to anarcuate'member 331 This arcuate member as shown-in Figs. 1'7 and 18, consists of a pair of elements 34. and 35. These elements are alter- 'natelyslitted as at 36 and 31 along the rib portions thereof thus allowing the ribs to take an -.arcuate;fform.while the bases of the elements 34 and 35'remain uncut. a r I .In this1construction thebottom portion of the base of "theelement '34remains undisturbed but as shown'inFig; -18,the bottom portion of the ele- 'ment 35 is removed so that only the sides 38 and .39 remain and theseare' secured to the tops of .the baseoftheelement 34 in the position shown in Fig. 18. The adjoining overlapping portions of the ribs are glued together with the. notches 3t and I41 formed by the slits 36 and 3101113 of registry as shown-in Fig. 17.50 that-the arcuate member .33 has a continuous rib made up of two severed and connectedribs.

1 The lower .end of-the arcuate member 33 has the rib.40 thereofinserted in a slit 4|- which slit eX- tends along the crestof the rib of the portion28 as shown in Fig. 16. -The end 42 of the arcuate member 33 is connected by a joint 4| which may The element 22 be like the joint 30 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 to a horizontal element 43..

The elements 30 and 43 have their ribs directed towards each other and the tips of the ribs are spaced apart as shown in the drawings. The ribs as shown in Fig. 4 are connected by plates 44 and 45. The plates 44 and 45 are similar and only the plate .44 Wi11be described. This plate 44 includes an upper panel; portion 46 engaging the rib on the element 30 and a lower panel portion 41 engaging the rib on the element 43. The portions 46 and 41 are integral with an intermediate portion 48 and the intermediate portion 48 is connected to the intermediate portion 49 on the plate 45. The plate. 44 aswell as the plate 45 is provided with spaced outwardly directed reinforcing ribs 50. Each :rib. includes; flaring panel portions 5| connected to wedge-shaped portion 52 at the middle of the rib as shown in Fig. '7 of the drawings. The .portions.;46,; 4'l and -5 I. are preferably plane and are defined. by creasea incs- 4 Hand 5l'. The-portions, 4].;and 48 may be partially cut away rto; ,form a grill as shown at 53 in Fig. 1 ifid8Sj-I9d-il3 5.: 1"... .1. 1:.

By referring to Fie-.i; t will b n t th t there is an;.element..ZZ. eachsndpf th br e and that ,theseelementsare connected by the upper element-.;3 l: Qf th9; i Bl'-;.;.; 5....

-..- .Qn. theaouter-end sr e h up n p rtioh 5f the .situd na y. sl ttin -the dse..a. .;one side thereof and then bending the ribs towards each other. The r o pnesecti nis n ert dit rcnsh e s of the;0.ther: QP Q ;.and; alu dthe etma a ZIThmrib. '6.. oI the. leme ELSDQWQ. a c ta along the line 62 thus providing a l p .5 w i is lued to. the. outer surface of the vertical portion 21 o the. elemen 22 andthehQI pnt IDa e po i of thiszel ment. 2.2 is-jslotted asatfl to receive the rib BI of the member 60. This portionis secured to theinner surface of the rib on the portion 23.

lnterm d tethecxcnds '.Q: ,.e de I provide anzupwardlraconver gi .st uti as .s in F s- 1 and .l;4.- The strut "I0 like;the strut fit! isformed by transrersemc ttine thro h th r b. of a st .turalmember-andlongitudinally slitting the rib at .ThebasehOtfion of the strut 6D adjacent the inner endthereofissevered from th rib portion to form a lip 15 which isbentupwardly and glued .to the adjacent base of the strut Ill. The adjacent ri-bportion 6 I-of the strut- 60 like the rib of 'thestrut 1 il-extends-through-a slot 11 in the 'base of theelement 3l and this portion is glued to the adjacent walls of the rib of the element At each of the .endsIS: and 20. an upper transverse girder .80: is provided. As shown in Fig. 19

the girder is formed of a pair of-parallel structural members; 81;. and 82 havingadjacent portions of their bases connected by astrip bf-Hnaterial 83 glued thereto (see FigfZO). The strip 83 is then bent until the bases of the structural members are at right angles with the peaks of the ribs abutting.

A strip of material 84 is then placed over the rib peaks and glued to each of the ribs. At each end the rib portion of the member BI is cut away to fit against the ribs of the members 22 leaving lips 85 which are glued to the tops of the horizontal members 23 and lips 85' which are glued to the ribs of the members 23. At each end the rib portion of the member 82 is cut away to fit against the ribs of the members 22 leaving lips 85 which are glued to vertical members 21.

The ends I9 and 20 are each further reinforced by diagonally extending cross members 86' and 81 each of which is formed from a length of structural member. At the lower ends'the ribs of the members 86' and 8'! are severed from their bases and split to form lips 88 which are glued to the ribs of the adjacent members 21. The bases of the members 80' and 8'! at the lower ends thereof are glued to the outer faces of the vertical members 21.

At their upper ends the ribs of the members 80' and 81 are severedfrom their bases and split to form lips 89 which are glued to the ribs of the adjoining members 21 and 80. The bases of the members 06' and 81 at the upper ends thereof are glued over the lips 12 of the strut mem- Furthermore each of the ends I9 and 20 includes a lower transverse member 90 which is formed of a length of structural member turned sidewise and at each end has a portion of the rib cut away to provide a lip '9I which is glued to the adjacent vertical member 27.

The end struts 60 are connected by an arcuate member I (Fig. l) which is formed of a length of structural member I0 th rib IOI of which has wedge-shaped portions cut therefrom as indicated at I02. Over the rib IOI of the member I00 another structural member I03 having the base removed therefrom is positioned and glued thereto. The member I03 like the member IOI has wedge-shaped portions cut therefrom as indicated at I04. The cuts I04 of the member I03 are positioned intermediate the cuts I02 of the member I 0I At each end the rib portion of the member I0! is cut away leaving lips I05 which are glued to the bases of the end strut 60. Opposite the lips I05 the bases of the struts 60 are slit to receive the ends of the ribs of the member I00 as indicated at I00.

The strut member III at the peak thereof is slit to receive the rib of the member I00 (see Figs. and 11).

Adjacent each of the struts 70 and between the struts I0 the bridge includes transverse members I08 (see Figs. 2 and 11). The rib portions I09 (Figs. 11 and 12) of the center member I08 are cut away to fit over the vertical rib 52 of the girder plate 44 leaving lips IIO which are glued to the girder plate and leaving a base lip II2 which is glued over the element 3|.

Similarly the ribs of the end transverse members I08 are severed from the base leaving lips H3 which are glued to the elements 3I. The severed portions of the ribs are slit to form lips .I I3 which are glued to the girder plate 44 (see Fi 2A).

Extending from the peak of the strut I0 to the element 3I I provide a tension member I I5 which adjacent the top thereof at I I6 is glued to the rib'of the strut I0 and at the lower end is glued to the base of the central transverse member I08 and has a hold down strip I I1 glued thereover and to the base of the central transverse member I08.

Adjacent the struts 60 the arcuate members I 00 are connected by transverse members I20 (Fig. 2) each of which is formed from a structural member I0 having the rib portion I2I thereof severed from the base leaving a lip I22 which is glued to the base of the arcuate member I00. The severed portions of the ribs I2I are slit to form lips I23 which are glued to the rib of the arcuate member I 00 (see Fig. 23).

Intermediate the length of the arcuate member I00 a transverse member I25 is provided. The member I25 is formed from two lengths of the structural element I0 an upper section..I20 and a lower section I21 having their base portions glued together. The rib I28 at each end of the lower section I2! is cut away to fit against the strut I0 leaving a lip I29 which is glued to the base portion of the arcuate member I00.

For appearance the ends of the rib I30 of the upper section I25 are beveled as at I3I (see Fig. 2).

In Figs. 21 and 22 I have indicated a plate element'generally at I 35 which may be used to form a floor for the bridge B. The element I35 is formed of a sheet of flat material which forms a base I 36 which is bent at spaced distances to form V-shaped transverse ribs I31. Adjacent each side of the base I30 I provide reinforcing members I38. The members I38 are each formed from a length of the structural element I0 and have the bases I39 thereof glued to the face of the base I36 opposite the ribs I3'I.

In Figs. 23 and 24 I have shown a means for reinforcing cross bracing such as the cross bracing and 81 shown in Fig. 2. Thereinforcing member is indicated generally at I40 and is formed from a length of the structural member I0. The rib of the member I40 is severed along the peak thereof thereby forming flaps I4I from the sides of the rib which are glued to the sides of the rib of the cross member 81 and the base I42 of the member I40 is glued to the peak of the ribs of both the cross members 86 and 01.

In Fig. 25 I have shown a means for forming an integral loop intermediate the length of a structural element I42 which is formed from a length of the structural element I I As shown the rib I43 of the element I42 is transversely severed leaving the base I44 intact. In line with the rib severing the base I44 is crimped and bent downwardly to form a V-shaped loop I45. Above the loop I45 one portion of the rib I43 is positioned over the adjacent portion as at I40 and glued thereto.

In Figs. 26 and 27 I show a means for forming a right angle joint between two elements similar to the element I0 when the ribs are positioned on; the outside of the angle. In Fig. 26 I show a vertical member I48 and a horizontal member I40 each of which are formed from a length of the structural element I0. As shown the base I 50 of the vertical member I48 is severed from the rib portion I5I adjacent the end of the member and bent at right angles to form a lip I 52.

Adjacent the end the base I 53 of the horizontal member I49 is severed from the rib portion I54 for a predetermined distance and is then severed from the remaining portion of the base as shown at I55. Glue is then placed on the inside of 7 both ribs I5! and I54 adjacent the joining ends and then the end of the rib I 5| is positioned 'over t e end a: the at Island the tworibs pi' e s s e'd tGE tFlGI'aSBHOWY l ifl Fig. 27. The lip 152 Of the el tidal lfifiibl 858 then gllid t the under face of the base I53 of the "member 119.

In 28 to 32 I'sh'o'wa means for connecting structural members similar to the structural elesystems or gumiife'd strips of flexible material such as paper.

fejinb'er' I58 ahd'a vertical member I58 both of 'hich hemmed 'f-roin'a lehgth of the structural element I0 and 'in Fig; 32 I have indicated a gamed-paper binder strip generally at [60. AS 'sliown'the binde'rstiip 1'88 I raw-length of paper 151 which is gumrne'd on one-side as iii dicated at 1'62. The face of the paper -I BI opposite 'the gurnfned side has a plurality of spaced, transversely extendin cut lines icateatherebasucnas'by 'dottedlines I63 to forin :a pl-urahty'of binder tats I34. Intermediate the width-thereof the aper IBI h'as'a plurialifiy 0f 'S Dadd SiOtS T55 thfiri which extend from one out line 158 halfway to the n'e'x't out line.

In usethe binder is't'r'ip I68 is transversely sevtied at the outlines 1168110 form individual binder tabs I64 'each of which 'includes'a body portion having two integral lips I61'e'xtending therefrom.

T'o secu re the members 1'58 an 1 59 together "atea'ge-shaseu "notch I isfcut in 'the e'ndof tli baS e ITl of theil'liiibTHB as shown in'Fig. '2'8 andth'e 'rib I12 :thereof is severed along the ridge as at 113 in riggso. The rib 1-14 of the member I58 is positioned intheV '-shaped notch {1e and tl1e -'sides'of "the rib 112 are' 'positioned o "er th'eiside's *offtlierib 1 I14 "o'fthe member 158.

The g umriied surface of one of the tabs I64 is thenmoistenedandthe b'oaypbrtion I56 thereof is"placed'bvrtliepe'ak of the rib I14 and'folded downwards to engage t'he side o'f the rib.

The lips I 61 of "the tab are 'then placed over "the sites of th e vefti'cal rib' I12. A'nother'of the 'tabs'lii' i isthen moistened and'thebody'portion I 86 mer er is :placed 'over the peak'of the rib I14 and folde'd downto "engage the'sides' 'of the rib on theside'of the vrucar nemberwse opposite the first'tab. The meanest at right angles and placed againstthe base I1I of the vertical member and around'the sidesof the base as clearly shownin Fig. '31.

'I'n Fig. 33 male shown mea'ns'for securing a horizontal structural member I15 :a'rid'vertical structural member I16 together 'wlien'th'e assembly is such that the vertical ribexte'nds towards the horizontal rib. Aptruon of th'e baseflfi of the vertical member I16 is cutawayj adjacent the 'end leaving a portion of the base I'16f extending which forms a lip I11. The rib I16 is then longitudinally slit as at I18 intermediate the peak hereof andthebase I16. The severed'peak por- "on is then bent outward and flattened to' form alip'l19. W I

Theend of the'i'ib I16" of the vertical'member I16 is then placed on't'he lilpper Sm-race 'of' the base 115' of th e'member l15 "'at one sideof'the rib I15f thereof with the lip' I19 extendingover the; horizontal rib I15" andglued'to the side thereof.

is then bent at right angles below the horizontal member I15 and gluedto manager face of the base I15 of the horizontal member.

iIn Fi gs 34 and 35 I showa wheel failiwhich is formed from'a plurality of lengths of the struc- In rigs. -'2e to 31 I have h-ewe a horizontal is formed from a'narlips 161' of 'the second't'ab' are p The lip i11 of the"'vrtical member I16 tural member I0.

aces-ps1 The rim I8I includes an outer member I84 and an inner member I85.

The inner member I85 is made of a length of the structural element In with the base omitted and includes only side portions I86 and a rib I81 which is transversely severed at equally spaced distances. Adjacent every other out the peak of the rib is longitudinally slit a predetermined distance.

The member I85 is formed circular by placing it in a circular form (not shown) and then bending it therearound after which a lengthof cord I88 is placed within the rib I81 and securely tied. As the member I85 is bent around the formthe severed ends of one portion-of rib 'I81 are positioned within the slit ends of the adjabent'rib portion and glued thereto as at I89.

The outer member I84 is formed from a flat piece of material glued to the sides I88 of the inner member. At the juncturewith the rim'one portion of the rib is slit-adjacent the base thereof as at I90 to receive the flange portionof 'the adjacent portion, the rib portion of which isipositioned in the slit rib portion and'all 'the overlapping portions of the rim are glued together.

The hub portion 182 includes two members I99 and IBI each of which is formed of a length of the structural element I0. The hub I82 is formed by gluing the bases I92 of the members I90 and I9I together'with the ribs I93 of'the members positioned at right angles to'eachother.

Intermediate the length of the ribs I93 an aper- "end thereof'the'base I95'and'the rib 'I96'of each of the spokes is cut to fit over the rib I81 of the rim and is'glued thereto. Likewise adjacent the inner'end thereof the base I95 and the rib I96 'o'f eacho'fthe spokes iscut to fit over the hub mem er 182.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. Asa'newa'rticl'e 'of manufacture, a structural girder, said girder comprising a pair of structural elements, each element comprising a base and an upper portion;'- sald upper portion including side portions se'curd'to the adjacent portions of the base, and "an-upwardly extending hollbwrib'iritegralwith the inner edge of the side portions, said elements being aligned with 'the ribs having their tips adjacent and "a pIate me'mbersecure'dtoeach'side of the ribs and connecting the same, said plate members having *their intermediate portions connected together.

'zsAs a ne'w article'of manufacture, a toy structural girder, 'said 'girdercomprising a pair of' "structural elements, each element comprising 'a i'unning stripincludinga base and an upper poi-tion,'said upper pbrtionincllrding side portions secured to the adja'ce'nt 'p'ortions of the base fahd "an upwardly extendingrib integral with the inner edges'bf the side portions, said elements' b'eing aligned with the-'ribshaving their tip's adjacent and a plate Y member secured to "each 'side'of theribs and connecting the same,

said plate members each having integral transverse ribs disposd inz'planes' pe'rpendicular to 3. As'an article of manufacturey a girder'coming a base having an upwardly extending hollow rib thereon, said elements being aligned with the ribs being directed towards each other, a member connecting the ribs on each side thereof, the portions of said connecting members at each end of the girder being flared outwardly and an end member on each end of the girder, said end members each including an element having a base with a hollow rib projecting therefrom, said last mentioned hollow ribs being fitted between the flaring end portions of the connecting members and secured thereto.

4. In a building member, a pair of elements each including side portions having a hollow rib projecting therefrom, said ribs each including cut away portions and the elements being assembled with the ribs telescoped and with the side portions in engagement and with the cut away portions out of alignment, said side portions being bent' into arcuate form and the side portions and the ribs of the two elements being connected together.

5. In a building member, a pair of elements each including side portions having a hollow rib projecting'therefrom, said ribs each including cut away portions and the elements being assembled with the ribs telescoped and with the side portions in engagement and with the cut away portions out of alignment, said side portions being bent into arcuate form and the side portions and the ribs of the two elements being connected together, and a base secured to the outer side portions.

6. In a structural joint, a plurality of elements, each of said elements including a base having a hollow rib projecting therefrom, said elements being three in number, the first element having a pair of spaced slots in the base thereof and the second and third elements having the ends of their ribs inserted in the slots, the bases of the second and third elements extending beyond the ribs at one end thereof, the extending portion of the second element being secured to the base of the first element and the extending portion of the third element being secured to the base of the second element.

7. In a structural joint, a pair of structural elements each including a base having a hollow rib projecting therefrom, one of said elements having a slot in the base thereof aligned with the rib thereon and the other element having the end of its rib inserted through the slot, said other element including a portion of the base projecting beyond the rib and means to hold the parts in place.

8. In a'building construction, a pair of elements each including side portions having a hollow rib projecting therefrom, said ribs being notched at intervals and the elements being assembled with the ribs and side portions in engagement and with the bases curved and with the notches on one rib staggered with respect to th notches on the other rib and means to hold the parts assembled.

9. In a building construction, a pair of elements each comprising a base having a hollow rib thereon, said elements being arranged with the bases adjacent and at right angles and with the tips of the ribs engaging, means engaging the bases and extending across the joint therebetween to connect the bases and means engaging the outer surfaces of the ribs to hold the ribs together.

10. In a building construction, a pair of elements each having. a hollow rib thereon and projecting therefrom, said bases being arranged coplanar and with the edges in abutting relation and a connecting strip engaging the upper surfaces of the bases between the ribs and having its edges engaging the ribs.

11. In a construction member, a base having spaced transverse ribs thereon and a reinforcing member extending along each side of the base, each of said reinforcing members comprising an element having a base and having a hollowupstanding rib thereon.

12. In a structural element joint, a pair of elements each including a base having a hollow rib projecting therefrom, one of said ribs being transversely cut and partially severed at the base on each side to form a notch, the other element being inserted in the notch and a third element having a base and a hollow rib thereon with the rib of the third element severed at its peak to provide two flaps, said flaps being notched and engaging the rib on said first element.

13. In a structural element, a base having a hollow rib extending therefrom, said base being severed from said rib for a predetermined distance, the severed rib portions being telescoped and secured together and the base portion adjacent the severed portion being bent to form a substantially wedge-shaped loop.

14. In a structural joint, a pair of elements, each of said elements including a base having a hollow rib extending therefrom, one of said elements having the base removed from a portion thereof to form a projecting rib at one end thereof, the other element being severed inwardly from the end at the juncture of the rib and the base to form a base flap, the base flap being bent to engage the rib on the first element and the projecting rib on the first element being inserted within the rib of the second element and means to hold the parts together.

15. As a new article of manufacture a toy structure girder, said girder including a pair of structural elements each element including a base having an upwardly extending hollow rib thereon, said rib comprising inclined, plane sides of equal length, said elements being aligned with the ribs directed towards each other, and a plate connecting the ribs on each side thereof, each plate including planar upper and lower panels directly engaging and secured to the inclined side of the adjacent rib, each plate having intermediate portions between the upper and lower panels, the intermediate portions being secured together.

16. As a new article of manufacture a toy structure girder, said girder including a pair of structural elements each element including a base having an upwardly extending hollow rib thereon, said rib comprising plane sides, said elements being aligned with the ribs directed towards each other, a plate connecting the ribs on each side thereof, each plate including planar upper and lower panels directly engaging and secured to the entire face of the adjacent rib side, said plates including outwardly flared portions, the plates at the ends of said outwardly flared portion having outwardly directed reinforcing ribs thereon.

JOSEPH E. GRANT. 

